An elevation is different. It shows the face of something, or perhaps more correct, the projection of an object/s to a plane. But my testing suggests it produces SECTIONS, not elevations.
Yes, you can use abbreviations in tables and figures. All abbreviations used in tables and figures should be defined in the table note or figure caption, respectively, even though the abbreviations will be also be defined in the text if they are used there.
An abbreviation which stands for the trigonometric function, cosine.. In its native mathematical context, cosine is used in solving for side lengths or angle measurements in right-triangles, exclusively. In regards to its place within the acronym: SOHCAHTOA, cosine occupies the CAH, wherein the series forms: Cosine (equals) Adjacent (over) Hypotenuse.